Andrew Griffith

The NHS is a great institution. But like all institutions it must be careful to strike the right balance between adhering to all the policies and procedures (many I acknowledge heaped on them by previous generations of politicians) and remembering that patients are individuals, often at moments of great stress or emotion and needing support and human understanding. I therefore welcome that GPS have been ordered by health service bosses to give patients face-to-face appointments following concern that too many people are being “shut out” and only allowed remote consultations. In a similar vein, antenatal and maternity wards need to open up as well. National Government guidelines have been relaxed such that partner visits are specifically allowed, yet many NHS Trusts continue to ban husbands or partners accompanying expectant mothers. I am proud to support the campaign in Parliament which aims to ensure that no pregnant woman are forced to go through scans or even births, alone.

Many of us already knew the stark challenges laid out in David Attenborough’s documentary, Extinction: The Facts, and the heartbreaking stories of animals struggling to survive. With over a million species at risk and collapsing biodiversity, it is important that we save as many as we can and where better to start than right on our own doorstep. If we are serious about this we have to make sure the planning system protects ‘green corridors’ for wildlife to move through the landscape and for natural processes to operate effectively. One such is the ribbon of land that connects the South Downs with the High Weald. It contains the Knepp Estate, which hosts one of the largest concentrations of nightingales in the UK, the biggest breeding population of rare purple emperor butterflies, all five indigenous species of owl and, crucially, about 16 breeding turtle doves—the most likely next bird species to face extinction on British soil. This summer, the first white stork chicks born in the UK for hundreds of years hatched there. Yet this ecological gem could be at risk if Horsham Council endorse plans to build a 3,500-home new town on nearby greenfield land in West Grinstead, bringing 10,000 new residents, light pollution, and millions of additional car journeys. Finally, I am still celebrating local ‘Covid Community Champions’. I was delighted to recently recognise Jane Cheshire, manager of Sayers Common Shop, who used local suppliers to keep vulnerable residents stocked with food and essentials throughout the lockdown. Nominations are still open for anyone who has gone the extra mile to help their community. Email Andrew@griffithmp.com